Respiratory Therapy

Students in Classroom

Launch Your Healthcare Career

Launch your healthcare career with a comprehensive foundation in Respiratory Therapy, equipping you for diverse roles and future success.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a clinician who provides hands-on care for people with a wide range of medical conditions related to the cardiopulmonary system. This program will prepare students to be effective members of the health care team in assisting with diagnosis, treatment, management, and preventive care for patients with a variety of acute and chronic cardiopulmonary problems.

Length
Two Years
Credits
71 (includes 15 prerequisite credits)
Locations
Medical Education
Curriculum Details

Why Study Respiratory Therapy at NOVA?

Clinical Excellence

Students are prepared to provide hands-on care for diverse cardiopulmonary conditions, making them effective healthcare team members.

Certification and Licensure

Graduates are eligible for the Entry Level examination for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and state licensure, with preparation for advanced level examinations as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

Career Opportunities

Nova's program meets national standards and offers graduates promising employment with a median pay of $60,000 in Northern Virginia and a 21% projected job growth over the next 10 years.

Accreditations

The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. NOVA’s CoARC number is 200206.

Respiratory Therapy Program Career Outcomes

Information Session

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

Your Next Steps to NOVA